Battle Abbey

After the Norman conquest of England, Pope Alexander II called for penance in 1070 for the casualties. King William the Conqueror then ordered the construction of an abbey at the site of the Battle of Hastings to commemorate the victims. The altar was to stand where King Harold II fell. Construction began in 1070 but was completed long after William's death. The abbey was richly endowed and enjoyed exemption. The abbey church was completed under Abbot Gauzbert and consecrated in 1094. In the 14th century, during the Hundred Years' War, the abbey was threatened by French incursions, leading to the construction of a gatehouse. The plague decimated the monastic community. In 1538, the abbey was dissolved under Henry VIII and largely destroyed.